Del. Rick Hillenbrand

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House Resolution (not a bill), introduced by multiple West Virginia delegates. It designates the month of June as "Fidelity Month" to promote the values of faith, family, and patriotism across the state. The resolution cites declining support for these values in polling and research, and calls for the state to "rededicate" itself to them during June. It has no binding policy requirements or direct impact on specific groups; it is purely a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia House resolution states that the U.S. national debt (over $38 trillion in 2026) poses a national security threat, citing foreign debt ownership, projected Social Security/Medicare shortfalls, and warnings from military/intelligence leaders. It urges Congress to establish regular budgeting procedures but does not create new laws or alter federal spending. As a symbolic resolution, it has no direct legal effect on national debt policy or federal budgets. The resolution focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing concrete changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5069 requires new wind energy projects in West Virginia to maintain minimum distances from residences, property lines, and certain infrastructure. Specifically, wind turbines must be placed at least 1.5 times their total height (tower, turbine, blades) from residences and 1.1 times their height from property lines or paved public roads/transmission lines (115kV+). Property owners can opt out of these setbacks by signing a written waiver. The bill applies only to new siting certificate applications after its effective date, directly affecting wind developers and nearby landowners.

Maddy summaryHB 4460 modifies West Virginia's sewer connection rules to balance urban and rural needs. It exempts properties with properly maintained onsite wastewater systems (verified by a recent inspection) and those more than 200 feet from a sewer line from mandatory connections. In densely populated areas (over 500 people per square mile), connections may still be required if systems are failing or impractical. The bill also mandates that municipalities provide financial assistance - including payment plans or subsidies - for low-income homeowners who must connect, covering both connection fees and necessary plumbing modifications.

Maddy summaryHB 5035 requires medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs - facilities providing medication for opioid addiction - to create written community relations policies. These policies must detail how the program will engage with local communities and avoid disrupting public functions. The bill mandates that MAT programs publish a public notice 60 days before opening or moving, notify county commissioners and mayors by certified mail, and obtain local government approval for new locations. It also restricts new MAT facilities from locating within half a mile of schools or daycares (with limited variances for existing facilities), aiming to address community concerns through transparency and local input.

Maddy summaryHB 5034, the West Virginia Genomic Information Privacy Act of 2026, requires medical facilities, research organizations, and companies collecting genetic data to inform West Virginia residents about how their genetic information is gathered, used, and shared. The bill prohibits these entities from selling, transferring, or using genetic data for foreign adversaries (as defined by federal law) and mandates secure storage of such information. It also establishes a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue if their genetic privacy is violated.

Maddy summaryHCR 4 requests West Virginia's Joint Committee on Technology & Infrastructure to establish a Genesis Working Group. This group will coordinate statewide planning for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, digital infrastructure, and energy-based economic development, aligning with federal initiatives. The working group will focus on state readiness, energy-resource integration, broadband expansion, and site identification for digital infrastructure projects. The resolution does not create new laws but directs state agencies and legislators to collaborate on strategic planning.

Maddy summaryHB 5001 prohibits employers from terminating an employee who uses reasonable and proportionate force (including deadly force in specific circumstances) to defend themselves or others from an attack at their workplace. The bill amends West Virginia law to explicitly protect employees from adverse employment actions - such as termination - solely for using force that reasonably prevents imminent death or serious bodily harm. It specifies that deadly force may be used without a duty to retreat only if an employee reasonably believes it is necessary to save themselves or others from imminent lethal harm. The protection does not apply if the employee was committing a felony, provoked the attack, or was otherwise engaging in unlawful activity. This bill directly affects all employees in West Virginia workplaces who must defend against violent attacks.

Maddy summaryHB 5014 modifies West Virginia's real property tax rules for farm structures used in agricultural activities. It phases out taxes on eligible structures over three years: 33% reduction in 2026, 67% in 2027, and full exemption by 2028 for structures appraised in 2025. The exemption applies only to farm structures on agricultural land (per §19-19-2b) used for farming operations, excluding commercial solar installations, wood processing facilities, and event venues. This directly affects farm property owners who maintain qualifying structures for agricultural production, storage, or distribution.

Maddy summaryHB 5010 prohibits West Virginia institutions of higher education and their affiliate organizations from accepting gifts, grants, contracts, or other funding from designated "foreign adversaries," including China (specifically targeting Confucius Institutes), Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Qatar. The bill requires institutions to report foreign funding exceeding $10,000 individually or $50,000 annually to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, detailing donor information and spending restrictions. It defines "foreign adversary" broadly and mandates that funds accepted in violation must be returned to the state. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.